20+ Traditional Christmas Cake Recipe Australia Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 13, 2024
If you're looking for the perfect dessert to complete your Christmas feast, look no further than a traditional Christmas cake. This iconic dessert has been a staple in Australian households for generations, and for good reason. With its rich, dense texture and festive flavors, it's the perfect way to end a holiday meal. But what exactly goes into making a traditional Christmas cake? Let's take a closer look at the recipe and the history behind this beloved Christmas treat.
If you're looking to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than these delicious Christmas cake recipes. From traditional fruit cakes to unique flavor combinations, there's something for everyone on this list. So break out your apron and get ready to bake up some holiday cheer!
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Cranberry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Flour, Fresh Cranberries
Tangy cranberries are the star of this festive Christmas cake. The bright red berries add a burst of color and flavor to the rich, moist cake. Top it off with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, White Sugar, Brown Sugar, All Purpose
Also known as a "bûche de Noël," this classic French cake is shaped like a log and decorated with frosting to resemble bark. Our ultimate version uses a rich chocolate cake and a creamy chocolate frosting, making it the perfect indulgence for the holiday season.
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Simple Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests, this simple Christmas cake is the way to go. With just a few ingredients and minimal decorating, you'll have a beautiful and delicious cake that will wow your guests.
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Moist Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Fruit, Vanilla Extract, Malt Syrup, Sherry, Glucose
Nothing ruins a holiday dessert like a dry cake. But with this moist Christmas cake recipe, you won't have to worry about that. The addition of applesauce and sour cream keeps this cake incredibly moist and flavorful.
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Pandoro Christmas Tree Cake (Italian Christmas Cake)
Main Ingredients: Cake, Mascarpone, Vin Santo, Powdered Sugar
If you're looking for a unique and visually stunning cake for your holiday table, this pandoro Christmas tree cake is it. Made with an Italian sweet bread called pandoro, this cake is shaped like a Christmas tree and topped with a light and airy lemon frosting.
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Fruit Cake - Plum Cake - Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt
This fruit cake, also known as plum cake or Christmas cake, is a staple at holiday gatherings. Loaded with dried fruit and nuts, this cake is moist and full of flavor. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for the perfect holiday treat.
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Cranberry & Lime Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Vanilla, Lime, Flour, Fresh
If you're tired of traditional fruit cakes, give this cranberry and lime Christmas cake a try. The tangy lime and tart cranberries add a refreshing twist to the classic fruit cake. And the bright red and green colors make it perfect for the holiday season.
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Pistachio Cherry Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: White Or Yellow Cake Mix, Water, Pudding Mix
Take your holiday baking to the next level with this pistachio cherry Christmas cake. The combination of nutty pistachios and sweet cherries is a match made in heaven. And the green and red colors make it a festive addition to your dessert table.
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Fruit Cake | Christmas Cake | Plum Cake
Main Ingredients: Oil, Eggs, Spice, Baking Powder, Vanilla Essence, Lemon
This fruit cake, also known as Christmas cake or plum cake, is a classic holiday dessert. Packed with dried fruit and nuts, this cake is rich and flavorful. And with a splash of brandy, it's sure to warm you up on a cold winter's night.
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Cranberry Almond Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Granulated Sugar, Large Eggs, Unsalted Butter, Almond
This cranberry almond Christmas cake is a delicious combination of tart cranberries and nutty almonds. Topped with a sweet almond glaze, it's a showstopping dessert that will impress your guests.
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Plum Cake, Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Brown Sugar, Melted Butter, Maida, Baking Powder
Plum cake, also known as Christmas cake, is a traditional holiday dessert that originated in the UK. Made with dried fruit, spices, and brandy, this cake is full of rich and complex flavors. It's the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee on a cozy winter evening.
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Easy Christmas cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Firmly Packed Brown Sugar, Eggs, Orange
If you're new to baking or just short on time, this easy Christmas cake recipe is for you. With just six ingredients and minimal decorating, you'll have a beautiful and delicious cake in no time. Plus, it's so easy to customize with your favorite flavors and toppings.
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Classic Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Sultanas, Dried Apricots, Dried Figs, Wine
This classic Christmas cake is a tried and true recipe that has been passed down for generations. Made with a mix of dried fruits and spices, this cake is dense and rich, perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a chilly winter day.
No holiday season is complete without sugar cookies. These classic Christmas sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating. Get creative and use festive cookie cutters and colorful icing to make them even more festive.
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Christmas Peppermint Meringue Swirls
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Cream Of Tartar, Sugar, Peppermint Extract
These Christmas peppermint meringue swirls are light, airy, and full of holiday flavor. The peppermint extract gives them a refreshing kick, and the red and white swirls make them a beautiful addition to any dessert table.
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Pizza Bread
Main Ingredients: Finely Grated Parmesan Reggiano Cheese, Pizza Dough
If you're looking for a savory option for your holiday party, this Christmas tree pull-apart pizza bread is a must-try. Made with pizza dough, cheese, and your favorite toppings, it's a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza.
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Healthy Christmas Cake
Main Ingredients: Mixed Dried Fruit, Ground Cinnamon, Extract, Nutmeg
Just because it's the holiday season doesn't mean you have to completely abandon your healthy eating habits. This healthy Christmas cake is made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and other wholesome ingredients. So you can indulge in a slice (or two) guilt-free.
In Japan, Christmas cake is a popular dessert often served on Christmas Eve. This Japanese Christmas cake, also known as "kurisumasu keki," is a light and fluffy sponge cake covered in whipped cream and topped with strawberries. It's a refreshing and beautiful dessert that's perfect for the holiday season.
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Cucidati Italian Christmas Fig Cookies
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract
These cucidati Italian Christmas fig cookies are a classic holiday treat in Italy. The dough is filled with a sweet fig filling and shaped into a log, then baked and sliced into cookies. They're a delicious and unique addition to any holiday cookie platter.
The History of Traditional Christmas Cake in Australia
The Origins of Christmas Cake
The origins of Christmas cake can be traced back to ancient Rome, where they would make a fruitcake using pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and barley mash. Over the years, this cake evolved and became a popular dessert during the Middle Ages. It was often served during special occasions, including Christmas. Eventually, the tradition of Christmas cake spread to other countries, including Australia.
Australian Twist on the Traditional Christmas Cake
While the basic ingredients of a traditional Christmas cake remain the same, Australia has put its own spin on this classic dessert. Instead of the traditional brandy or rum, Australians use locally produced fortified wine, such as sherry or port. The cake is also often decorated with Australian native flora, such as gum leaves and eucalyptus flowers, to add a touch of Australian flair.
Meaning Behind the Ingredients
A traditional Christmas cake is made with a variety of dried fruits, including raisins, sultanas, currants, and mixed peel. These fruits symbolize the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. The addition of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, represent the exotic spices brought by the Wise Men. In some families, a silver coin is also added to the batter for good luck in the coming year.
The Recipe for Traditional Christmas Cake
Ingredients:
500g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, currants, mixed peel)
2 tbsp candied cherries, chopped
1 cup sherry or port
125g unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
3 eggs
1 ½ cups self-raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the dried fruit and candied cherries. Pour the sherry or port over the fruit and mix well. Cover and let marinate overnight.
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease and line a 20cm round cake tin.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a third bowl, sift together the flour and spices. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing well.
Stir in the marinated fruit and mix until well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 2-2 ½ hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can decorate your traditional Christmas cake with marzipan, royal icing, and festive decorations.
Now that you have the recipe for a traditional Christmas cake, it's time to gather your ingredients and get baking. This classic dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends, and will become a beloved tradition in your household for years to come. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!